Every dermatologist will tell you sunscreen is essential to your daily beauty regimen. The most important benefit is the ability to protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. Many analogies also include protecting against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. As a baseline, any sunscreen you currently use is dermatologist-recommended and certainly better than the sunscreen you aren’t.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer. As people age, the incidence of skin cancer increases rapidly. However, younger people are more susceptible to the disease. It is best to prepare your defense as soon as you can.
There are a few key things to remember when shopping for a new beauty staple. The first is the SPF. Harshna Bijlani (medical head at The Ageless Clinic) tells India that it measures how long it takes to “get sunburnt” if you don’t have sunscreen. Next, consider your skin’s tone and whether the formula contains broad-spectrum, hypoallergenic, or non-comedogenic sunscreens.
We’ve decided to narrow down the best (sun) cream in the field. From tinted sunscreens to non-greasy body sunscreens designed for multiple applications at the beach to matte facial sunscreens that wear invisibly on the skin, Vogue rounds up 13 of the best dermatologist-approved sunscreens in Australia.
The best dermatologist-approved sunscreens in Australia
La Roche-Posay
Many dermatologists have recommended La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen. It’s the first place people visit when looking for a sunscreen to add to their daily routine. La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen formula has been clinically tested on sensitive skin. It is broad-spectrum, SPF 50+, and fragrance-free. Its matte, the lightweight finish is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It can be used over your regular moisturizer and will last you all day.
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense was designed for everyday use. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can be used on normal and dry skin types. This, along with the label’s C E Ferulic acid, is the best way to return to the fountain of youth. You want your skin to stay glowing and not absorb UV rays. This is what you should do. This is not the traditional sunscreen.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena’s dermatologically approved and tested dry-touch sunscreen is the best example of a high-impact, low-fuss formula. The formula is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It can also be water-resistant for up two hours.
Cetaphil
Ah, Cetaphil is a beloved brand among dermatologists and straight-shooting beauty enthusiasts. Like all their products, the ultra-light lotion has been rigorously tested dermatologically. Cetaphil’s sunscreen, infused with vitamin E to nourish skin, has a fast-absorbing matte finish and can be used on the entire body, hands, and face.
Ultra Violette
It has a sheer, glowing finish and SPF50+ protection. The AHAs and antioxidants add extra radiance to your skin. This is why beauty editors so highly prize it. It suits all skin types, particularly those with combination or dry skin.
Avene
Avene, a French pharmacy brand, is a favorite of dermatologists. The packaging system is specially designed to avoid the use of preservatives. It is fragrance-free, non-clogging, and suitable for sensitive skin. Formulated with Avene’s signature thermal spring water, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is no exception–photoprotective with a lightweight satin finish.
Esmi
Esmi is one of the most effective mineral sunscreens on the list, but it’s also the lightest. The product can be used under makeup and is free of fragrance. It also contains hydrating ingredients like carrot seed oil and hyaluronic acids. This product suits all skin types: combination, normal, oily, and sensitive. Although it has a strong scent, this product is safe for those who can tolerate it. It’s also gentle enough to be used on acne-prone skin.
Alpha-H
Alpha-H’s daily sunscreen is broad-spectrum and cruelty-free. Because it is small, you can easily reapply sunscreen while on the move. Because it doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin, it’s suitable for both darker and lighter skin tones. It has a matte finish that is excellent for people who want to control their shine. Layer makeup on top of Alpha H sunscreen.
Cancer Council
It is essential to apply sunscreen every day at the beach. However, it is also vital that your product is water-resistant. Cancer Council’s sunscreen lasts for four hours without the need to reapply. It also has a matte, non-greasy finish that is easy on the skin.
Invisible Zinc
Invisible Zinc’s mineral-based, Australian-made sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide. The formula is non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. It caters to sensitive skin.
Nivea
This blue bottle is award-winning and offers four hours of water-resistant sun protection. It also contains plenty of broad-spectrum protection and hydration due to the addition of vitamin E, panthenol, and E. The recommendation of dermatologists and an environmentally-friendly formula are just the cherries on the cake.
Skinstitut
Skinstitut’s Age Defence sunscreen moisturizes your skin with vitamin B3, protecting it from the sun. Suitable for sensitive skin and those who have undergone post-dermal therapy. As one of its active ingredients, it also contains Vitamin B3, an antioxidant. This helps to increase the skin’s natural barrier and decrease the appearance of signs of aging, such as fine lines and age spots.
Medik8
Medik8’s sunscreen is anti-pollution, infrared, and anti-glycation. It also protects against sun damage as well as other environmental aggressors. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types thanks to its semi-matte finish. It was specifically designed for oily skin or acne-prone skin.
